According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s office, parents are under unprecedented pressure. Many parents report experiencing significant stress compared to other adults, often struggling with time demands, financial instability, and the health and safety of their children.

The intersection between child welfare and child well-being was brought into sharp focus at the Regional Forum on Child Welfare Transformation: Supporting Families During Pregnancy and Early Childhood we attended in Tacoma, WA in early September 2024.

With the new school year here, families across Washington are busy preparing their children for a successful academic journey. Amid these preparations, ensuring that children are up to date on their vaccinations is especially important.

Recent surveys show that teachers are prioritizing social emotional learning above academics when determining how ready children are for school. And it’s not just teachers. These skills will continue to be assessed when our kids go off to find jobs.